CM addresses media in Doon
By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 22 Mar: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the media at the BJP’s Election Media Centre, in Hotel NJ Portico at Rispana Chowk, today. During his interaction, the CM claimed that the government is trying its best to live up to the public’s trust. He expressed his gratitude for the blessings and support given to him by the people of the state on completion of two years of the state government’s tenure. Referring to the BJP managing to retain power in 2022 Assembly Elections, he said that this has been the first time in the history of the state that the public had given its blessings to a government again.
On this occasion, Dhami also paid tribute to all the martyrs and statehood activists for creation of Uttarakhand state and said that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had created Uttarakhand and the country’s famous Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the state ahead with respect to development. Narendra Modi’s special attachment to Uttarakhand is not hidden from anyone. Under his guidance, Uttarakhand is rapidly moving towards development, the CM claimed.
Dhami claimed that under Modi’s leadership, the whole world has recognised the strength and potential of India. It is the result of India’s growing power that India got the presidency of G-20. Uttarakhand also got the opportunity to organise three meetings of G-20. Due to this, the rich cultural heritage of the state has been recognised in the country and the world. The reconstruction of Kedarpuri and the plan for redevelopment of Badrinath Dham are the best examples of the vision, leadership and determination of the respected Prime Minister. The foundation stone of Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Govindghat-Hemkunt Sahib ropeway was laid by the Prime Minister. Siddhapeeth Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway has been started. Last year, more than 56 lakh devotees visited Chardham. Due to efficient management, Kanwar Yatra was also completed smoothly. More than 4 crore Kanwar pilgrims took Ganga water. Not only this, moving forward in the direction of cultural nationalism, work is also being done on Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission at a rapid pace for the development of mythological and ancient temples of Kumaon on the lines of Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham. Its master plan is also being prepared. Along with Kedarkhand, an action plan is being prepared on Manaskhand Corridor, Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor, Sharda Corridor. Approval of Rs 304 crore has been given for home stay scheme for rural economy and establishment of 17648 polyhouses in the state.
The Chief Minister said that an attractive new tourism and film policy has been made in the state. In this, a provision of up to 100 percent subsidy has been made to promote self-employment. The state is planning to develop 6 Aroma Valleys. Along with Mission Apple and Mission Kiwi, it has been decided to start Mission Cinnamon and Mission Timru (a herb from Uttarakhand). He said that due to the vision of the Prime Minister, India’s nutritious coarse grains are getting world class recognition.
Dhami reminded that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, a successful rescue operation of 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi district was conducted and Global Investor Summit – 2023 was organised successfully. Investment MoUs worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore have been signed against the target of Rs 2.5 lakh crore. In relation to which, till now, the grounding of agreements worth more than Rs 81 thousand crores has been done.
He said that, before the elections, the BJP had promised a uniform civil code to the people of the state. The Uniform Civil Code has been passed by the Legislative Assembly and has also received the approval of the President. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement this law. To prevent religious conversion through force or inducement, the government has passed the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill. Dhami said that the women of the state have been given the legal right to 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs. The government also decided to provide 10 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs to the state agitationists and their dependants. He said that strict steps are also being taken against illegal encroachment on government land in the state. Responsibility of officers has been fixed by running a special campaign for illegal encroachment.
Dhami reminded that 45.33 acres of land of the closed HMT factory in Nainital district has been transferred to the Uttarakhand government. Expanding the air connectivity, Dehradun to Pithoragarh air service has started, direct flights from Dehradun to Ayodhya and Dehradun to Goa have started operating. Also, direct flight from Delhi to Pithoragarh has been formally launched. Vande Bharat Express has started from Dehradun to Delhi and from Dehradun to Lucknow. For the first time in history, train operations have started from Dehradun to the border area Tanakpur. Work on Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line is going on at a fast pace. Due to which the dream of railway in the mountains will come true.
Dhami claimed that in accordance with the spirit of Antyodaya, the government is trying to reach the benefits of development to the last person. On this occasion, State President Mahendra Bhatt, Election Management Committee Chairman Naresh Bansal, State General Secretary Aditya Kothari, State Media In charge Manveer Singh Chauhan along with BJP spokesperson Suresh Joshi were among those present.
